File 756/1917 Pt 2-3 ‘ARAB BULLETIN Nos 66-114’ [‎159v] (327/834)

lotf —
Idrisi's Campaign.
Reports from the Yemen indicate that the capture of
Loheiyah by Idrisi and his subsequent operations m the Beni
Abs and Beni Jama districts were considered by the Turkish
authorities to have created a very serious situation. Aot only di
Husni Bey acting Governor of Hodeidah, and llias Bey, now
Kaimakam of Bajil, display great activity in endeavouring to
enlist the support of the Tehama tribes, but the Vah and the
G.O.C. of the Yemen Army Corps, Ahmed Tewfik Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , both
visited this front during March. I here is reason to believe that
they decided on the recapture of Loheiyah, but the only success
hitherto achieved by the Turks, in this neighbourhood was the
engagement at Mur (see p. 134), where the Ldiisi force consisted
mainTy of Beni Yam tribesmen (see p. 95).
The Sheikh of Mur, who some time ago announced his
allegiance to Idrisi and offered to fight for him, has novy arrived
at Midi where he has furnished guarantees of his good faith.
The Vali returned to Bajil at the beginning of April, and is
believed to have again visited the Idrisi front with the object,
inter alia, of effecting a reconciliation between Tbn el-Heij and
Ibn Thawab (see p. 69).
It is confirmed that all the Hashid and Bekil mercenaries
have returned to their homes. Nasir Mabkhut is said to be lying
ill in his native village.
Yemen.
The Vali has summoned the notables of Zebid to meet him
at Marawah, probably to arrange measures for checking any
movement on the part of Sheikh Mohammed Hassan, whose
secret overtures to the British have caused him grave concern.
A special messenger reached Sanaa in March bringing
despatches from Enver Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. to the Yemen authorities. He is
said to have travelled from Constantinople in ninety-four days
via Nejd.
The financial condition of the vilayet is described by a
reliable authority as being very critical, and war contributions
have been exacted, not for the first time, from the British Indian
community to enable the Government to tide over its immediate
pressing needs. Customs duties levied on merchandise in the
Tehama have been increased from five to twenty-five per cent,
but the receipts at Bajil and Marawah have considerably declined
owing to the paucity of supplies now going to the interior
through Idrisi ports. It is unfortunate, however, that the illicit
traffic between Jibuti, Eritrea and Yemen ports has increased
appreciably. The Lahej bazaars are reported to be well stocked
with all kinds of supplies, but prices are still very 7 high.
A report from Perim states that the Turks have attacked
the Zaraniq for refusing to pay taxes, and that forty-seven Turks
and sixteen Zaraniq have been killed.